Organized labour in Bayelsa State on Friday in commemoration of this year’s May Day demanded for enhanced allowances for civil servants in the state.
The workers under the umbrella of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in a joint address presented during the 2026 Workers Day celebration, held at the Peace Park in Yenagoa, the state capital, also demanded for the timely approval, conduct and implementation of financial benefits of promotions.
Delivering the joint address on behalf of the two unions, the state Chairman of the NLC, Barnabas Simon, appealed for the implementation of annual increment for all category of workers.
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Speaking further, he said, there is the urgent need for a new housing scheme for workers in Bayelsa State, based on the current economic realities that have made it very difficult for an average worker to cope with the high cost of house rent in the state.
“Most workers cannot afford to rent a decent accommodation talk more of building or owing houses. No thanks to the hike in the cost of building materials”.
Also, the labour leaders demanded for the implementation of the 25 percent and 35 percent salary arrears and the employment of non-academic staff at the post primary sub-sector and the provision of uniform allowance for nurses and other professional health workers.
Responding to the demands of the workers, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, retirated his commitment towards civil service in the state, saying it’s important to honor them as there is dignity in labour.
“The strides we have made together bear eloquent testimony to the strength of unity and the power of a common purpose and synergy between the government of assured prosperity and the workers in Bayelsa State. We call on all Bayelsans and all residents to join us,
“Of these six years’ journey towards assured prosperity, we place our trust in your goodwill and ultimately in God. Your patience, your understanding, and your partnership to fulfill the sacred mandate bestowed on us.
“You have not failed the government of prosperity. Together, we have recorded milestones that speak for themselves from roads that now connect once isolated communities to schools that inspire learning, science and technical colleges.
“To hospitals that restore health, and to investments that create jobs. These are not merely government projects. They are the force of partnership between labor and the government of assured prosperity.
“Collective dedication coupled with the prudent management of public resources has delivered these outcomes for our people who truly deserve them. For me, prompt payment of salaries is an obvious function of government,” Gov. Diri said.
As part of the workers request, the governor directed that 108 housing units be given to civil servants in the state.
